At University of Massachusetts men's basketball practice, the reserves don the maroon jerseys and the starters wear white.

It is not uncommon for the maroon team to win the scrimmage. That doesn't mean coach Derek Kellogg is about to shake up the lineup, but it does explain his growing trust in the bench, which figures to play a meaningful role again Wednesday night at Fordham.

"Our defense is playing with much higher intensity lately, picking up people full-court. To do that, you have to have confidence in the bench," Kellogg said. "We are trying to spread the minutes."

Reserve players Tyrell Lynch, David Gibbs, Gary Correia and Matt Glass are getting increasing playing time. They combined to play 51 minutes in Sunday's 68-64 loss to Saint Joseph's.

"One thing with this coaching staff is that they give you a good idea of what to expect," said Glass, a 6-foot-7 sophomore who is averaging 11.6 minutes, 2.3 points and 1.2 rebounds per game.

Since coming to UMass, Glass has made 35 field goals. Only three have come from inside the 3-point arc, but the team has needed him to play power forward, even though Glass is by nature a guard.

He accepts the role.

"They want (the bench) to hold down the fort. With some of our big guys like Tony and Luke Bonner having foul trouble, we've had the chance," Glass said.

UMass (8-13, 3-5 Atlantic 10) has not had much recent success at Fordham. Since 2002, the Minutemen are 1-4 at Rose Hill Gym, winning in 2007.

Last year, they even lost at home to Fordham, which is only 3-17 this year and 1-7 in the Atlantic 10.

"This is a must-win game, and it helps that our bench is coming into its own," starting guard Ricky Harris said.

"They've been playing with confidence and bringing energy into the game. If they play like they practice, they can go up against anybody."

The 6-4 Gibbs is averaging 17 minutes, 3.1 points and 1.1 assists per game. They are modest numbers, but Kellogg sees the potential for stardom.

"David might be our best on-the-ball defender, pressuring the other guard," Kellogg said. "Offensively, he's a combo guard, but my ultimate goal is to make him a point guard, and we are using him there."

At 6-9, Lynch the only true power forward on the bench. Like Gibbs, he is listed as a freshman.

But, while Gibbs was playing high school ball last season, Lynch was sitting out at UMass, and taking classes to firm up his eligibility.

"I am definitely in better shape than at the start of the season," said Lynch, who is averaging 18 minutes, 4.0 points and 3.3 rebounds.

Correia (9.8 minutes, 1.8 points, 1.1 assists per game) is a sophomore who can play either guard spot. His primary role has been to back up Chris Lowe at the point.

"I know (Kellogg) thinks I have an understanding for the game," Correia said. "I just feel I'm a guy they can ask to do whatever it takes, whether that means defending or knocking down shots."

Kellogg does not look solely at numbers to judge the bench.

"Our job is to come in, give energy and boost the morale of the team," Lynch said.

Nothing would boost morale more than a victory Wednesday. Harris said UMass must play as well against subpar teams as against good clubs, which it has not done so far.

"If we play like we did against Xavier, Dayton, Kansas and Temple, we should win," he said. "We've got to get over the hump."